5 must-visit cities near the California coast

With its world-class vineyards, artsy enclaves, and bustling urban centers, there are countless reasons to visit the Golden State. But we’re partial to California’s coastline for its breathtaking nature, picturesque beaches, and some of the most scenic byways and parks in the country. Ahead, some of the best sights, activities, and accommodations to add to your SoCal-to-NorCal itinerary.

Calling all beach-lovers: epic swells, sandy shores, and pink-orange sunsets await you in San Diego. Even beyond the beach, there’s plenty to explore in the city, including excellent dining, historical landmarks, and sprawling urban parks. Catch waves all year long at La Jolla Shores Park, or try snorkeling and wildlife-watching at La Jolla Cove, a scenic ecological preserve and favorite spot for divers. Or, stay dry at the San Diego Zoo, one of the top-rated wildlife sanctuaries in the world, which draws in visitors from around the globe with over 12,000 rare and endangered animals onsite. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over a half a million individual plants that’s situated within Balboa Park, a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. The massive site also offers trails, performing arts events, and 16 museums—and nearby in the heart of downtown, you can learn about the Mexican and early American history of the city at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. When it’s time to let off some steam, head to the Gaslamp Quarter: the 16-block historic district is packed with food, drink, and dance spots to choose from. Relax at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a Mediterranean-inspired oasis situated on 400 acres that’s a 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner.

While cruising along Highway 1, one of the country’s best scenic routes, you’ll likely encounter Monterey, located about midway up California’s rugged coast. A charming beach town with tons of outdoor activities, a robust literary history, and an abundance of wildlife, it’s a must-visit spot in the state. The region provided plenty of inspiration for John Steinbeck, particularly his novel Cannery Row, named after the historic waterfront district where you’ll now find numerous hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. Be sure to stop by the acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium, where visitors can learn about—and see—thousands of marine animals. For more wildlife spotting, take a whale-watching tour from Monterey Bay or venture out to 17-Mile Drive, where you can spot sea lions and birds basking in on rocky mounds. After a jam-packed day, kick back at Jabberwock Inn, a top-rated Craftsman-style B&B with scenic views, or the Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa, a 2022 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Award winner located right in Cannery Row.

Just an hour’s drive from San Francisco, San Jose is a vibrant Silicon Valley city with a thriving downtown. At the pedestrian-friendly Santana Row, you’ll find a mix of high-end shops, boutiques, outdoor plazas, and restaurants, along with live music and street fairs. Stop by Meso for Mediterranean fare and inventive cocktails. The nearby Municipal Rose Garden is one of the best rose gardens in the country, boasting nearly 200 fragrant varieties of the flower. And a visit to San Jose wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the infamous Winchester Mystery House. A historical landmark surrounded by plenty of local lore, the Victorian mansion was the home of heiress Sarah Winchester, and has been featured in a number of books, television series, and other pop culture moments. With 10,000 windows, 2,000 doors, and 47 stairways (including some that lead to nowhere), its offbeat backstory is only matched by its architectural oddities.

With hidden coastal coves, plentiful wildlife, and a bustling arts scene, Carmel-By-The-Sea is one of the most enchanting towns in California. It’s also welcoming to dog lovers, since many beaches and hotels are pet-friendly. Get cozy with a beach bonfire at Carmel Beach, or head into the charming one-square-mile village for wine tastings, shopping, and decadent dining options. To soak in the unparalleled coastal terrain, take a stroll along the Scenic Road Walkway, a beachside trail with jaw-dropping views of the Pacific, or visit Point Lobos, a spectacular nature reserve that’s popular with scuba divers and hikers. Be sure to stop for snapshots at China Cove, one of the most picturesque stretches on the trails within the Point Lobos preserve. Stay at the Tickle Pink Inn for panoramic views of Big Sur or The Hideaway, a homey inn within walking distance of the village.

Quaint shops, foggy ocean views, and 19th-century architecture make the sleepy coastal town of Mendocino look more like a town you’d find in New England than coastal California. Located off Highway 101 in the state’s northern region, Mendocino is known for excellent B&Bs, restaurants, and stylish shops stocked with artisan wares. Stroll past windmill-like wooden water towers that harken back to the town’s past, go birdwatching at the area's plentiful parks and rugged trails, or stop in for a pint at Patterson’s Pub, a former Catholic rectory turned watering hole. Joshua Grindle Inn, a top-rated Victorian inn overlooking Mendocino, makes a convenient base to explore the town’s historical buildings. Don’t miss the Gothic-style Mendocino Presbyterian Church, built in the 19th century from redwood trees, or the Ford House Visitor Center & Museum, housed in the former home of the city’s founder.